Real Madrid slumped to a shock 3-0 loss against rampant Sevilla at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, and if anything the scoreline flattered the visitors.
We take a look at how the players rated – and it doesn’t make pretty reading for Real fans.
REAL MADRID
Courtois 7: Made a good early save at the near post and was blameless for what followed. Fabulous second half stop from Sarabia.
Nacho 6: Made a goalline clearance in the first half and was probably his team’s steadiest defender, though that’s not saying much.
Varane 4: Looked shaky early on and stayed shaky throughout. Uncertain and nervous, with none of his usual assurance.
Ramos 5: Loudly jeered by fans of his former club, and gave them plenty to enjoy with an error strewn display in the headless chicken mould.
Marcelo 4: Gave away the ball in build-up to opener and looked like a walking disaster until he was forced off through injury,
Modric 5: Maybe celebrated his ‘Best’ award too heavily because he was nowhere near that level, though he had a great goal disallowed for offside.
Casemiro 4: Way off the pace as his team slumped to an early deficit. Failed to give his defence enough protection and offered little going forward.
Kroos 5: An unusually imprecise and wayward performance from the usually pinpoint German, who was unable to outduel Banega.
Bale 7: The only Real player on his game, hitting the post with a fierce effort and forcing a great save. Also worked hard defensively.
Benzema 4: Continued his poor form with a totally ineffective showing and was substituted before the hour. His place must be under threat.
Asensio 5: Totally anonymous in the first half, doing nothing to threaten the Sevilla defence. Better after the break but it was too late.
SUBS:
Mariano 6: Brought on for Benzema and looked much more threatening, doing his best to attack the goal with directness and pace.
Vazquez 6: Introduced at right back and attempted to drag his team forward with some determined running.
Ceballos 6: Came into the midfield for the exhausted Modric, but had little chance to impose himself on the action.
Andre Silva shone for Sevilla.
VALENCIA
Vaclik 7: Flapped badly at a cross just before the break, but made brilliant saves from Modric and Bale early in the second half.
Caricco 7: Appeared to anticipate everything the visiting attack was planning to do before they knew themselves, making several timely interventions.
Kjaer 8: Manned the centre of the back three with occasionally nonchalant ease, including a casual late goalline clearance to deny Ramos a consolation.
Gomez 7: Strong in the tackle and assured in possession, providing a good outlet for Sevilla to start many of their phases of possession.
Navas 8: Back to his best. Assisted the first two goals with his burning pace down the right and was a dominant performer throughout.
Banega 8: Totally ran the show in the early stages with some touches of sheer class. One of the best when he’s in this form.
Vazquez 7: Tidy and cool in midfield, and unlucky not to score after curling a first half shot against the bar and drawing a superb save from Courtois.
Arana 5: Probably the weakest link in Sevilla’s very strong performance, often wasteful going forward and vulnerable defensively against Bale.
Sarabia 8: Started the move for the opener and regularly threatened with his direct but controlled probing. Denied a great goal by Courtois.
Ben Yedder 7: Sharp and bright up front. Fired a great chance too high but made amends with a fine finish for the third.
Silva 9: Had a shot saved in the first minute and continued in that vein throughout, rattling home the first two goals and always dangerous.
SUBS:
Promes 6: Came on midway through the second half to give Ben Yedder a break and worked hard but lacked subtlety with his final touch.
Nolito: A late entrant for the injured Arana on the left flank and had little impact.
Mesa: Only came on for the last few seconds, allowing Banega to receive an ovation, and barely touched the ball.
